Canterbury Tales: Fully Annotated Edition

At the Tabard Inn in Southwark, twenty-nine pilgrims assemble and begin their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. Their host suggests that they entertain themselves on their long road by regaling each other with stories, with the teller of the best tale set to earn a free supper. The pilgrims correspond to all sections of medieval society, from the crusading knight to the drunken cook, and their tales span a range of genres, including the comic ribaldry and deception of 'The Miller's Tale' and the story of chivalry and courtly romance told by the Franklin.

Unfinished at the time of his death, The Canterbury Tales are presented in this edition in their original Middle-English. This edition contains a wealth of material and over 3,000 notes which will help all students of Chaucer's masterpiece.

The pilgrims' diverse backgrounds and the range of their tales make The Canterbury Tales a rich and engaging work. From the boisterous humor of 'The Miller's Tale' to the courtly romance of the Franklin's story, the collection offers a vivid and multifaceted portrait of medieval society.

The presence of the Host, who oversees the storytelling competition, adds an additional layer of narrative interest. His interactions with the pilgrims and his efforts to keep the tales flowing create a sense of a lively, dynamic journey. The tales themselves are further enlivened by the varied narrative styles and perspectives of the different narrators.

Chaucer's masterful command of language and his keen eye for detail are evident throughout the work. The Middle-English text, while presenting some challenges for modern readers, rewards close engagement with its rhythmic cadences and evocative imagery. The extensive notes in this edition provide valuable context and analysis, making the work accessible to students and scholars alike.

In its breadth of characters, stories, and themes, The Canterbury Tales stands as a landmark of medieval literature. Chaucer's ability to capture the diversity of human experience, from the sacred to the profane, is a testament to his literary genius. This edition, with its wealth of supplementary materials, offers readers a rich and enlightening encounter with one of the cornerstones of the Western canon.

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